Kobe Bryant (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Fans and analysts disagree greatly about where Kobe Bryant fits in the pantheon of NBA greats. Magic Johnson feels that Kobe’s death is the only thing preventing him from being regarded on the same level as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, despite other people arguing that his passing has strengthened his cause.

Jordan is still easily atop the list today, although players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James have questioned his status as the greatest of all time. Kobe Bryant, who played for 20 years, was comparable to Michael and is still regarded by many as the closest player to emulate Michael Jordan’s style of play.

Johnson said, “Yeah, because we know Kobe belongs in that conversation even today. Kareem, Kobe and they all wore the Purple and Gold. So I think about what Kobe meant to the game of basketball worldwide, and to me offensively he’s the second-best dude in terms of at that shooting guard, small forward positions behind Michael Jordan. When you think about scoring-wise nobody could stop Kobe just like nobody could stop Michael Jordan.”

For obvious reasons, Michael Jordan is considered by most to be the greatest player of all time. He has won six championships, five MVP awards, and ten scoring leaders. Jordan shattered numerous records over his 15 years in the NBA. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest on 49.7% shooting. But do you think Kobe deserves to be in the GOAT conversation? Though his stats indicate, he’s one of the greatest shooters ever in the NBA.

Why Kobe Bryant’s Skills Made Him A Laker Legend

Like Jordan was unstoppable in his time, Kobe was a basketball genius at his peak and could not be stopped. Bryant had a devoted following of supporters during his two decades as the Lakers’ face, and they still support him and his career now.

Magic Johnson is a great player for the Lakers, so he understands the pressure of being the team’s leader. Bryant accepted the pressure immediately and performed to the highest standards rather than attempting to preserve his legacy.

Although Kobe’s record wasn’t as stellar as Jordan’s, he was still among the most accomplished players in league history. He was a 15-time All-NBA player, a five-time champion, and an 18-time All-Star in 20 years. With 33,643 points, he is the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history.

Regretfully, people are beginning to forget how good Bryant was at his peak now that he’s not here to remind us of his magnificence. However, Kobe’s legacy is more vital than ever, and his standing as one of the all-time greats endures today because of the contributions of superstars like Magic Johnson.